Each egg shape sphere is a completely sealed eco friendly eco system. It contains active micro organisms - red shrimp & algae - in a clear transparent ‘soup’ of filtered sea water. Simply provide the ecosphere with indirect natural or artificial light & the ecosystem will thrive without needing further attention. Life expectancy of two-to-three years but it is not uncommon for a system to last much longer. Space age technology. The ecosphere is the result of technology developed at nasa space research laboratories. Animal & plant life in perfect balance with nature.